Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham (L) and Undersheriff Chad Palmiter assume the reins of law enforcement in the county

The Torch Is PassedBy N3 News TeamPhoto by Pam Wildfong

There’s a new sheriff in town.

The Honorable H. Kevin Drake 78th District Court Judge administered the swearing in of Bob Mendham as he became the latest to wear the top badge in Newaygo County.​Mendham was elected in November running unopposed after a decisive victory in the Republican Primary this past August over Patrick Hedlund. Hedlund had been appointed...

...to the post in early 2015 following the retirement of the previous sheriff, Mike Mercer.

Sheriff Mendham selected Chad Palmiter to serve as Undersheriff in the new law enforcement administration. Palmiter is a veteran of the department having served in a number of capacities during his tenure. ​“Chad and I are honored by the opportunity to serve the folks of Newaygo County and anxious to get started,” said Sheriff Mendham. “We look forward to working with the great men and women of the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.”